experience - Downtown Wytheville

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THE
top things about
The surrounding beauty
of Southwest Virginia’s
famous mountains, rivers
and rolling farmland
A walkable downtown
with a distinctive wide
main street and free
parking
Dedication to our heritage
• Museums
• Historic Architecture
• Notable Historic Figures
Vibrant Farmers’ Market
Business Community
engaged in downtown
revitalization
The abundance of
outdoor enjoyment year
round
Strategically accessible to
urban areas with a friendly
small town atmosphere
Unique cultural
experiences including local
• Festivals
• Dinner Theatre
• Artisans
• Musicians
Wealth of downtown
greenspaces and parks
Prime opportunity in
a growing business
community
180 West Main Street Suite 4 | Wytheville, VA 24382 | 276.223.3343 | downtownwytheville.org
downtown incentives
WYTHEVILLE, VA
VIRGINIA ENTERPRISE
ZONE STATE INCENTIVES
Qualification for state VEZ incentives are based on
the calendar year and are administered annually.
All applicants (businesses and real properties) must
be located within an Enterprise Zone to qualify for
incentives.VEZ State Incentives are offered through
the Virginia Department of Housing & Community
Development, but administered by the Joint
Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County.
Real Property Investment Grant (RPIG) Summary
BENEFIT
• Up to $100,000 per building or facility for
qualifying real property investments of less than
$5 million.
• Up to $200,000 per building or facility for qualifying
real property investments of $5 million or more.
• Real Property grant awards may be subject to
proration should requests exceed grant funds
allocated.
Job Creation Grant (RPIG) Summary
BENEFIT
• Up to $500/year per net new permanent, full-time
position earning at least 175% of the Federal
minimum wage (150% in High Unemployment
Areas) with health benefits.
• Up to $800/year per net new permanent full-time
position earning at least 200% of federal minimum
wage with health benefits.
Eligibility Requirements are available upon request.
ENTERPRISE ZONE
LOCAL INCENTIVES
Restaurants & Eateries
Overview: For new restaurants and
eateries created within the boundaries
of the Wytheville Enterprise Zone, the
Town of Wytheville will provide grants
to the restaurant or eatery equivalent
to the 7% meals tax paid by the
Qualifying Business in accordance
with the terms below.
Qualifying Businesses are eligible to
receive the Restaurants and Eateries
Grant for a period of 5 years (60
Months), following issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy.
Requirements for qualification are available upon
request.
Lodging Establishment
Overview: For new lodging
establishments created within the
boundaries of the Wytheville Enterprise
Zone, (See Attached Map) the Town
of Wytheville will provide grants to
the lodging establishment equivalent
to the 7% lodging tax paid by the
Qualifying Business in accordance with
the current terms, which are available
upon request. Qualifying Businesses
are eligible to receive the Lodging
Establishments Grant for a period of 5
years (60 Months), following issuance
of a Certificate of Occupancy.
Building Permit Fees
Overview: For property owners
within the boundaries of the
Wytheville Enterprise Zone, the Town
of Wytheville will reimburse Building
Permit fees in accordance with the
terms, which are available upon
request. Permits eligible for rebate
must have been obtained between
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2024.
Water & Sewer Availability Fee
Overview: For property owners
within the boundaries of the
Wytheville Enterprise Zone, the
Town of Wytheville will reimburse
Availability Fees in accordance with
the terms, which are available upon
request.
Applicants are eligible for rebate of
water and sewer availability fees,
between January 1, 2014 - January
1, 2024
Tax Exemptions for Rehabilitated
Property
Overview: The Town of Wytheville
offers a real estate tax exemption
valued at 100% of the increase
in assessed value for 5 years
following the rehabilitation of certain
properties, including residential,
commercial and industrial structures.
Guidelines are available upon request.
180 West Main Street Suite 4 | Wytheville, VA 24382 | 276.223.3343 | downtownwytheville.org
ENTERPRISE ZONE LOCAL
INCENTIVES (continued)
Tourism Zone Incentives
Overview: Qualified tourism-related businesses under certain
conditions may receive the following:
1. Business License Tax Rebate: Business license taxes will be
rebated by the following schedule
a. Year 1 - 100% Rebate
b. Year 2 - 75% Rebate
c. Year 3 - 50% Rebate
2. Building Permit Fee Waiver/Reduction: Reimbursement of
up to $2K in Town building code fees.
3. Subdivision Fee: Reimbursement of fees associated with
review and approval of a subdivision request connected with
creation of a tourism related business.
4. Utility Connection Fee Waiver: Reimbursement of water
and sewer availability fees. This applies to new services as
well as upgrades.
5. Gap Financing: Access to Virginia Tourism Corporation’s
Tourism Development Financing Plan which provides
up to 20% gap financing assistance funded in part
through performance based tax grants for large Tourism
Development Projects.
The business must be new to Wythe County, after January 1, 2012. A list of
qualification requirements is available upon request.
Technology Zone
Joint Industrial Development Authority-Revolving
Loan
Fund which offers three distinct loan packages.
1. Entrepreneur Microloans: Up to $5,000 for up to 18 months
at below prevailing prime interest rate
2. The “5 & 10” Loan Program: Offers loans up to $50,000 for
five or ten years.
3. Special Project Loans: Available for larger projects on a
merit-based application process. To qualify, a business must
be located in the JIDA target area and provide a business
plan with income projections and comprehensive financial
information.
A list of qualification requirements is available upon request.
Start-Up Wythe In New Business Idea Competition
The annual Start-Up Wythe In New Business Idea Competition
is a local initiative created by Downtown Wytheville,
Incorporated and the JIDA of Wythe County to encourage
entrepreneurship in the next generation and to inspire
economic development and job creation in downtown
Wytheville. Six finalists are selected from a pool of applicants,
assigned a mentor and learn to develop a business plan in
preparation for the final Pitch Night presentation.
This is a volunteer driven project and all funds to operate
“Start-Up Wythe In” were provided by private sector sponsors.
Two winners are selected and awarded cash prizes to assist with
getting their business off the ground. Start-Up entrants are also
eligible to participate in the downtown incentives program.
Overview: Qualified technology businesses located anywhere
within Wytheville Town limits may under certain conditions
receive the following:
1. Business License Tax Reduction: 100% rebate in business
license tax for qualified technology businesses with less than
$50K in gross receipts for up to 3 years or until the tax year
ending Dec. 31, 2022, whichever comes first.
2. Business License Tax Reduction: 50% rebate in business
license tax for qualified technology businesses with more
than $50K in gross receipts for up to 3 years or until the tax
year ending Dec. 31, 2022, whichever comes first.
180 West Main Street Suite 4 | Wytheville, VA 24382 | 276.223.3343 | downtownwytheville.org
demographics
get to know us! you'll love us!
WYTHEVILLE, VA
POPULATION
Only the small town charm of Wytheville can surpass the beauty of its
location amid the majestic mountains of Southwest Virginia. That beauty
and charm are easily accessible to the world via two major interstates.
A recent market analysis of Wytheville shows
30% of customers came from within the primary
Wytheville zip code and 30% came from out of
state. That is a huge opportunity to service the
travelers passing through.
Town of Wytheville: 8,196
Wythe County: 29,235
Median Age: 42.9 years
Wythe County Population including the region
within a 30 minute drive: 304,108
Number of households: 3,946
Median Family Income: $49,212
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
AND TOURISM IMPACT
Domestic travelers spend $22.4 billion on
transportation, lodging, food, amusement and
recreation, as well as retail shopping in Virginia.
This represents a 4.1 percent increase from 2013.
During 2014, domestic tourists spent 137.65
million dollars in Wythe County and created
almost 4 million dollars in local tax revenue.
According to Virginia DOT, the annual average
daily traffic volume at I-81 (combined with I-77)
exit 73 is 50,000 vehicles per day.
Wytheville is located within a one day’s drive of
40% of the US population.
Wytheville,
Virginia
100 mile radius
200 mile radius
300 mile radius
INDUSTRY AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
Local Industry examples: A commitment
to providing a full suite of world-class
infrastructure in Wythe County has resulted in
the recruitment of many important and large
industries including, but not limited to:
Somic America; Atsumi; Klockner; Gatorade;
Pepsi; Amcor Packaging
Appalachian Power, a division of American Electric
Power, provides abundant, reliable electricity to
Wythe County via a robust system of substations,
transmission lines, and parallel supply paths.
National Gas Interstate transmission lines cross
Wythe County and bringing an abundant supply
of this critical fuel. Providers such as CenturyLink
and Citizens provide world-class communications
capacity in Wythe County. Two providers, the Town
of Wytheville and the New River Regional Water
Authority supply Progress Park via two 16” supply
lines from the north and from the south. Water
reliability is very high and there is a significant
amount of water capacity within the current system
capabilities. The Downtown Business District is
located within a designated Technology Zone.
Providers are available to meet a broad range
of business needs ranging from basic internet
and telco to ethernet service through local fiber
facilities with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Other major employers include: Wythe County
Community Hospital; Wythe County Public
Schools; Wytheville Community College.
TRANSPORTATION
Wytheville may be a small town, but it is easily
accessible to the world. Being serviced by major
interstates I-81 and I-77, and U.S. highways 11, 21
and 52, which travel both East/West and North/
South. Not only can you travel by car, but you have
access to three public airports in the adjoining
counties with a convenient drive to major airports
such as Tri-Cities; Roanoke Regional; PiedmontTriad and Charlotte International Airports. The
Norfolk Southern Railway serves the town of
Wytheville and plans are underway to upgrade
this section of track to accommodate Amtrak
Passenger Service in the future.
Wythe County is strategically situated in Southwestern Virginia at the
intersection of two major interstate highways, I-81, I-77, and future I-74,
as well as US Highways 11, 21 and 52. Much of the county’s 460 miles of
land area lies in a broad, picturesque valley bordered by the Blue Ridge and
Allegheny Mountain ranges. Traditionally, Wythe County has been known as
an agricultural county, although in recent years manufacturing operations
have become increasingly important due to the interstate highway and rail
transportation network. Wythe County was well-known as a crossroads
destination for weary travelers on the early frontier. Today, in addition to being
the most visited community in Southwestern Virginia, it is a key location for
manufacturing and distribution. Award-winning Progress Park, the county’s
1,210-acre industrial park, is located near the intersecting interstates and
provides key infrastructure, including rail and fiber optic telecommunications,
required by today’s competitive businesses.
180 West Main Street Suite 4 | Wytheville, VA 24382 | 276.223.3343 | downtownwytheville.org
culture entertainment livability
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WYTHEVILLE, VA
EDUCATION
Quality of workforce is benefited by
educational opportunities through the Wythe
County Public School system and Wytheville
is located within a 2 hour drive to 16 higher
education institutions.
Wythe County Public Schools:
• Maintain a graduation rate higher than the
state average
• Have a low student to teacher ratio
• Offer technical certificates through Wythe
County Technology Center
• Partner with Wytheville Community
College to offer dual enrollment credits
• Participate in Southwest Virginia Governor’s
School
• Graduates have an opportunity to attend
Wytheville Community College for 2 years
tuition free
HEALTH CARE
Wythe County Community Hospital is a
100 bed facility which has earned the Joint
Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. In
operation since 1972, WCCH provides
care to a primary service area of 36,000
individuals including Wythe and Bland
Counties. The hospital employs over 350
full time personnel and is staffed by over
80 physicians. Occupational Medicine and
Employee Wellness programs are available
to the business community as well.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Wytheville is served by highly qualified police,
fire and ambulance services who are located in
the downtown business district and impact the
low crime rate.
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Wytheville is governed by a CouncilManager form of government with five
members serving on Town Council. Town
Government makes significant financial
investments in downtown revitalization.
• Funded almost $500,000 for relocation
of the Wytheville Farmers’ Market
• Funded over two million dollars for the
streetscape improvement project
HISTORY & CULTURE
Wytheville has a rich history and heritage
including its importance as a trade
crossroads prior to its official establishment
in 1792. Wytheville’s history is preserved
through local architecture, two active
historical organizations and six museums
which proudly serve the local community
and visitors. Important historical notes
include:
• Civil War battle
• Birth of an influential First Lady, Edith
Bolling Wilson
• The Polio Epidemic
• Homes of Governors, Henry Carter Stuart
and Elbert Lee Trinkle
Wythe County Community Hospital has been
recognized as:
• Important homebuilders and noted
furniture manufacturers
• A Blue Distinction Center for Knee and
Hip Replacement by Anthem Blue Cross
and Blue Shield
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
• The Joint Commission’s 2015 “America’s
Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety”
Arts and culture are alive in Downtown
Wytheville. Festivals and events have a wide
range attendance from surrounding areas. The
small town and family culture are apparent
with such events as:
• Chautauqua Festival In-The-Park
• July 4th Celebration and Hot Dog Eating
Contest
• Lions Club Carnival
• Zombie Run & Halloween Activities
• After Hours Summer Concert Series
• Jam Sessions
• Wohlfahrt House Dinner Theatre
• Wytheville Community College provides
plays, musicals, choir and instrumental
performances and features regional
bluegrass music
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Whether you like to hike, bike, paddle, camp,
fish, picnic or just enjoy nature, Wytheville has
something to offer for everyone.
Wytheville is:
• Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only
minutes from the Parkway
• Surrounded with over 58,000 acres of
public lands to hike, bike, horseback, and
motorcycle trail biking.
• Has over 240 miles of trails which include
portions of the Appalachian Trail
• Offers nine miles of trails in the townmanaged Crystal Springs Recreation Area
• A quick drive to the New River for fishing,
paddling or to just enjoy the New River
Trail State Park.
• The setting out point for many beautiful
scenic byways, such as the Blue Ridge
Parkway, for motorcycle or off road enthusiasts
any season of the year.
180 West Main Street Suite 4 | Wytheville, VA 24382 | 276.223.3343 | downtownwytheville.org
180 West Main Street Suite 4 | Wytheville, VA 24382 | 276.223.3343 | downtownwytheville.org